Public Health Emergency declared

19 March 2020

The Minister for Health has declared a public health emergency for the whole of the Territory under the Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 in response to Novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This will be in force until further notice.

This means:

Non-essential large gatherings are prohibited (500 people outdoors and more than 100 people indoors)

People are legally directed to self-quarantine upon returning from overseas travel

There are penalties of up to $62,800 for failure to comply with the new COVID-19 directions.

Chief Health Officer Hugh Crosbie Heggie, under section 52 of the Public and Environmental Health Act 2011, considers it necessary, appropriate and desirable to take action to alleviate the public health emergency in the Territory, declared by instrument entitled "Declaration of Public Health Emergency", dated 18 March 2020.